Avenue pub to be included in Whitley Bay revamp

TIME is being called on an eyesore pub which has lain empty for a decade.

TIME is being called on an eyesore pub which has lain empty for a decade.

The former Avenue pub is to be included in the seafront regeneration of Whitley Bay's Spanish City site.

The submission of the outline planning application to North Tyneside Council by Robertson, the infrastructure, support services and construction group, is a landmark stage in long-running saga of revitalising a key stretch of Whitley Bay’s seafront.

It comes weeks after Robertson began construction work on Whitley Bay Joint Service Centre in the town.

The company first unveiled its proposals for the Spanish City in June and has since held a series of public. consultation events.

Residents have long called for the redevelopment of the boarded up Avenue pub, and while it did not originally form part of the Robertson scheme, it has now been included.

Andy McLeod, managing director for Robertson regionally, said: “Right from the start we’ve been sharing our ideas with the community, and we've been able to take proactive comments on board such as in relation to the mass and height of the buildings.

“The submission of our outline planning application doesn't signal the end of our engagement with the public, but the start of formal consultation with the local authority.”

North Tyneside Mayor Linda Arkley said: “I'm delighted that the Robertson proposals have reached this important stage.

“It demonstrates the continued progress of a project that is important for the regeneration of not just Whitley Bay but the whole coastal zone.

“I'm sure that many local residents will welcome the fact that the site of the former Avenue pub forms part of the plans.”

Under the proposals a Family Activity Centre will be created on the Spanish City site with uses including indoor climbing walls, skateboarding, soft play facilities, cinema, surfing, together with associated food and retail outlets.

On the remainder of the site, uses will include assisted living accommodation, a hotel, apartments, townhouses and public space.

YMCA North Tyneside was a potential partner, keen to manage and operate the Family Activity Centre. However, due to the funding climate and ongoing commitments, the trustees have decided not to continue.

Dean Titterton, chief executive of YMCA North Tyneside, said: “We were always excited by this project and remain excited by this potential development.

“Unfortunately, due to a number of factors, particularly the timing of the project and the current economic climate, we felt unable to continue to be part of it. We wish the project all the very best going forward.”

A number of other private sector leisure operators have asked to be involved.

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